Stationed in the Netherlands Dr. Eric Hendriks heads the Process Simulation Thermodynamics team at Shell.
“Our main job is to advice colleagues across the corporation on the use of physical property data. We always try to make people aware of limitations to the models. First of all the accuracy of the calculations will depend on the quality of the data fed into them.”
Eric Hendriks’ own background is in physics. He sees the Discussion Meeting as a fine venue for catching up on the latest developments in thermodynamic modelling.
“Take a model like the SAFT (Statistical Associating Fluid Theory, ed.). As a scientist I really like this model, even though I know it will be a no-go to use it in our own environment. Several fine academic careers can be attributed to some extent to SAFT, but I don’t feel it is likely to conquer industry any day soon. A major problem in our context is the fact that various versions exist as individual scientists have shaped the model for their various purposes. Still, it is always interesting for us to come here and have a feel of what the most advanced academic simulation tools are capable of.”
Shell has been a member of the industry Consortium all along and frequently shares master and Ph.D. students with CERE.
“We attend the Discussion meetings practically every year. And when we add new people to our team, my advice to them is always to go to Denmark.”